What is a Soft Cast?
A soft cast is made of a semi-rigid material that provides support for treating soft tissue injuries and fractures. It dries to the touch in 3-4 minutes and achieves full strength 30 minutes after application.
Patient Advice
- Keep your limb elevated when not in use, especially in the early stages, to minimise swelling.
- Exercise the joints that are not held in the cast as much as possible.
Cast Care
- Please do not allow your cast to become wet (unless specifically permitted by your doctor) as it may cause skin problems or wound breakdown.
- Please do not use any object to scratch the skin underneath your cast, as it can cause an ulcer to develop.
- Do not cut, heat or remove your cast unless advised to do so by your Doctor/Nurse.
Removing a Soft Cast
Soft Casts are removed by unwinding or unravelling the cast as demonstrated by the plaster nurse.
When to contact a Doctor:
Contact your Doctor or the Plaster Department if you experience:
- Pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication.
- Colour changes (blue) or swelling of the toes or fingers, or difficulty in moving the limb.
- Pins and needles or numbness.
- A blister-like pain or rubbing under the cast.
- Discharge, wetness or smell under the cast.
- A loose, cracked or soft cast that is cause for concern.
Please also contact a doctor if you drop an object into the cast.
Contact Information:
Plaster Nurses: Maura/Claire/Balleze
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8 am – 4.30 pm
+353 (01) 814 0458
Non-fibreglass casts were developed to provide a greater degree of comfort and support. They are made from a combination of polyester and polypropylene. This cast combines the benefits of non-fibreglass materials with the strength and comfort associated with traditional fibreglass casts.
Patient Advice
- Do not let the limb hang down unless it is being used. Keep your limb elevated when not in use, especially in the early stages, to minimise swelling.
- Exercise the joints that are not held in the cast as much as possible.
Cast Care
- Please do not allow your cast to become wet (unless specifically permitted by your doctor) as it may cause skin problems or wound breakdown.
- Please do not use any object to scratch the skin underneath your cast, as it can cause an ulcer to develop.
- Do not cut, heat or remove your cast unless advised to do so by your Doctor/Nurse.
When to contact a Doctor:
Contact your Doctor or the Plaster Department if you experience:
- Pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication.
- Colour changes (blue) or swelling of the toes or fingers, or difficulty in moving the limb.
- Pins and needles or numbness.
- A blister-like pain or rubbing under the cast.
- Discharge, wetness or smell under the cast.
- A loose, cracked or soft cast that is cause for concern.
Please also contact a doctor if you drop an object into the cast.
Contact Information:
Plaster Nurses: Maura/Claire/Balleze
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8 am – 4.30 pm
+353 (01) 814 0458
Fibreglass casts have been developed for greater comfort and support. They consist of a knitted fibreglass fabric, fabricated and impregnated with polyurethane, a material that is lighter, stronger, and more water-resistant than traditional plaster casts.
Patient Advice
- Do not let the limb hang down unless it is being used. Keep your limb elevated when not in use, especially in the early stages, to minimise swelling.
- Exercise the joints that are not held in the cast as much as possible.
Cast Care
- Please do not allow your cast to become wet (unless specifically permitted by your doctor) as it may cause skin problems or wound breakdown.
- Please do not use any object to scratch the skin underneath your cast, as it can cause an ulcer to develop.
- Do not cut, heat or remove your cast unless advised to do so by your Doctor/Nurse.
When to Contact A Doctor
Contact your Doctor or the Plaster Department if you experience:
- Sudden, severe pain in the calf muscle (contact GP, Hospital or Emergency Department immediately)
- Colour changes (blue) or swelling of the toes or fingers, or difficulty in moving the limb.
- Pins and needles or numbness.
- A blister-like pain or rubbing under the cast.
- Discharge, wetness or smell under the cast.
- The plaster cracks, softens, becomes loose or uncomfortable.
Please also contact a doctor if you drop an object into the cast.
Contact Information:
Plaster Nurses: Maura/Claire/Balleze
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8 am – 4.30 pm
+353 (01) 814 0458
Plaster of Paris can be easily shaped to fit the body’s contours, and skin irritation or allergies are quite rare.
Patient Advice
- Exercise your fingers, toes, shoulder or elbow joints.
- Elevate your plastered limb whenever possible.
Cast Care
- Please do not stand ore press on your plaster for 48 hours.
- Please do not use write on your plaster until it is dry.
- Do not wet the plaster
- Don’t cut, knock or bump the plaster
- Please do not use any object to scratch the skin underneath your cast, as it can cause an ulcer to develop.
When to contact a Doctor:
Contact your Doctor or the Plaster Department if:
- You cannot move your fingers or toes
- You experience colour changes (blue) or swelling of the toes or fingers, or difficulty in moving the limb.
- You are in severe pain
- You experience pins and needles or numbness.
- The plaster cracks, softens, becomes loose or uncomfortable.
Contact Information:
Plaster Nurses: Maura/Claire/Balleze
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8 am – 4.30 pm
+353 (01) 814 0458
